Even atheists in a troubled hour of loneliness and sorrow are saved by prayer. M. Yu. Lermontov was not a deeply religious person, although he received a classical religious education, he never asked the Lord for a better life, health, well-being, but nevertheless in especially difficult times he prayed tearfully so as not to lose faith in his life. Some events prompted the poet to write his own prayer. This work made the author completely rethink his life, and although he did not become a believer, he still ceased to be an inveterate skeptic and atheist.
In 1839, when the poet was 25 years old, he wrote the poem "Prayer". M. Yu. Lermontov lived a short life, so this verse can be attributed to the late period of creativity. By this time, Mikhail Yurievich managed to go into exile, his worldview, attitude to society and poetry changed. His works have become more wise and philosophical. When the writer returned from the Caucasus with the rank of Life Guard Cornet, he rethought his whole life, in which he had previously had to play the role of a rowdy or socialite. He understands that he is not able to change anything in this world. It is precisely because of his own powerlessness that Mikhail Lermontov turns to God.
"Prayer" was written after meeting at a social event with Maria Shcherbakova. Mikhail Yuryevich was always a rebel and at first committed deeds, and then he interpreted them. The Caucasus reassured him a little, the poet was imbued with oriental wisdom, and although he did not reconcile himself to his fate, he abandoned senseless attempts to prove to people their worthlessness and stupidity. In Moscow, the writer attended many social events and frankly enjoyed the attention that his person aroused in the representatives of a fine article. Despite the large number of fans, only M. Shcherbakova paid attention to M. Yu. Lermontov.
Prayer is the salvation of man in the most difficult moments of his life. That is what the girl told Mikhail Yuryevich. She argued that only in a sincere appeal to God could he find peace of mind and balance. The poet remembered her words, of course, he did not go to the temple and did not read the Psalter, but after talking with Mary he wrote the poem Prayer. M. Yu. Lermontov does not ask God for anything, does not repent and does not self-flagellate, he simply cleanses his soul of impotent malice, sadness and longing.
From time to time, the poet was tormented by doubts as to whether he should continue to get involved in literature, achieve his goals, or all desires and aspirations are only self-deception. But there were people with a similar worldview, these were Vyazemsky, Pushkin, Belinsky, and Mikhail Yuryevich understood that he was not alone. A tearful prayer helped him to get rid of doubts and gain spiritual support.
M. Yu. Lermontov earnestly prayed with a feeling of remorse in order to clear himself of emotions and gloomy thoughts, and this really helped. The poem “Prayer” is an attempt to strengthen faith in one's own strengths and to come to terms with the path destined for fate. Lermontov repents of his own weaknesses and apologizes for hiding his true feelings behind the mask.